Principals

• Lee H. Skolnick, FAIA

  Principal

  

  Lee H. Skolnick, FAIA

  Principal

  Music and literature. Philosophy and physics. History and math. As a student, Lee Skolnick equally prized and devoured these subjects. This passion for knowledge across disciplines led him to architecture, where they all converge.

   

  This interdisciplinary view informs Lee’s approach to every project. He creates narratives that unfold as people move through his designs, all senses engaged. His work can educate and entertain. Convey meaning and emotion. Provoke thought and imagination.

   

  Lee achieves this through a keen understanding of how humans make sense of the world and themselves, which is to say, storytelling. He generates a fully integrated architectural experience to transcend a space’s purpose.

   

  Throughout history and at its core, architecture creates meaningful experiences that connect people with their culture and community. In his work and with his firm, Lee evolves this rich tradition.

   

  EDUCATION

  Bachelor of Architecture, George Ledlie Prize Recipient

  Cooper Union

  Boston Architectural Center

   

  HONORS + AWARDS

  Honorary Visiting Fellow

  University of Leicester

  Great Britain

   

  2006 The Cooper Union Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement

   

  2004 Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) Distinguished Member Award

   

  1991 Architectural Digest, The AD 100 Architects

  New York, NY

   

  ACTIVITIES

  Advisory and Grant Panelist NEA Design Education New York State Council on the Arts

   

  AUTHOR

  What is Exhibition Design?

   

  SPEAKER

  Association of Youth Museums

   

  American Association of Museums

   

  Association of Science and Technology Centers

   

  Society for Environmental Design

   

• Paul Alter, AIA

  Principal

  

  Paul Alter, AIA

  Principal

  Paul Alter has been an integral part of SKOLNICK since 1986 serving as a Design Principal, Managing Partner and Project Administrator. Paul constantly explores the art, design and craft of building, bringing expertise to the process from his former involvement in the worlds of boat building, woodworking, and fabrication. His expertise in varying construction methods, knowledge of environmentally sound technology and renewable resources continuously spark new ideas and solutions. This background, combined with his leadership, attention to detail and management skills, enables SKOLNICK to bring projects to fruition in a timely, well-crafted and meticulous manner. An ideal liaison with clients and the other key members of design and construction teams, Paul Alter brings unity and focus to the most complex projects. Through his patient and engaging nature, he engenders client trust and confidence. Combined with his collaborative approach to problem solving, these qualities have earned him high regard and respect in all levels of the construction industry.

   

  EDUCATION

  Bachelor of Architecture

  Cooper Union

  New York, NY

   

  Certified Instructor/Construction Carpentry

  State University of New York

  New York, NY

   

  Solar Energy Workshop

  Stony Brook University

  Stony Brook, NY

• Jo Ann Secor

  Principal,

  Director of Interpretive Services

  

  Jo Ann Secor

  Principal,

  Director of Interpretive Services

  Since joining SKOLNICK in 1987, Jo Ann Secor has led the efforts of SKOLNICK’s museum and interpretive staff in guiding museums through the process of creating memorable and enlightening experiences for their audiences. She brings a wealth of experience in the cultural education field developing innovative exhibits and programs for science centers, children’s museums, history museums and art galleries. Jo Ann’s extensive experience as both a museum client and as an educator has influenced her strong advocacy for the voice and needs of museum audiences and project-specific user groups. She is regularly invited to speak on museum–related topics and to serve on discussion panels regarding issues of museum design and interpretation for diverse audiences.

   

  EDUCATION

  Master of Science in Supervision & Administration in Museum Leadership

  Bank Street College of Education

  New York, NY

   

  Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting & Teacher Education

  Rhode Island School of Design

  Providence, RI

   

  ACTIVITIES

  American Association of Museums

   

  AAM’s Committee on Audience Research and Evaluation

   

  AAM’s Museum Education Committee

   

  Former Adjunct Professor in Museum Studies at Bank Street College and New York University

• Scott Briggs, AIA

  Associate Principal

  Scott Briggs, AIA

  Associate Principal

  Scott Briggs brings nearly 30 years of design experience to SKOLNICK. As a design lead, he works closely with SKOLNICK Principals in driving the conception, visual representation and realization of museum projects. His work is focused on the integration of exhibit environments, interpretation, graphics and media to create engaging visitor experiences. His background in the planning and design of cultural, civic, entertainment and hospitality facilities informs the development of his projects.

   

  In his 19 years with SKOLNICK, Scott has worked on many of the firm’s significant museum, library, and exhibition projects, including the East Hampton Library Children’s Reading Room; 9/11 Tribute Museum; NYU Langone Medical Center’s Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital; Royal Alberta Museum; and Muzeiko, America for Bulgaria Children’s Museum.

   

  The recipient of numerous design awards, Scott Briggs represents the firm at national conferences and writes about the firm’s projects for publications. He frequently serves as a visiting critic and presenter with several colleges and universities including SUNY/FIT, Bank Street College of Education and Pratt Institute. Scott is an active member of the New York City chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) where he is on the Board of Directors and former Co-Chair of the Cultural Facilities Committee.  And in 2019 he was elected to serve a 3-year term as Secretary of the Executive Board of the 2020 AIA New York Board of Directors.

   

  EDUCATION

  B. Arch, Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI
  BFA, Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI

   

  PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  Registered Architect, New York and Connecticut
  Certified, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
  Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  Board of Directors, AIA New York chapter
  Participation and presentations at professional conferences includes:
  American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
  Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)
  Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
  Society of Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD)

Senior Staff

• Robert Gross, AIA, LEED AP

  Senior Associate

  Robert Gross, AIA, LEED AP

  Senior Associate

  Robert Gross brings considerable hands-on experience to his role as Project Manager and Senior Designer at SKOLNICK. Since joining the firm in 2006, he has worked closely with clients during all phases of a project, from initial design conception to final completion of construction, leading the architectural design team as well as coordinating and directing sub-consultants. In his role as Project Manager, Robert is responsible for managing the design schedule and budget, and closely monitors the progress and quality of the design development, to produce clear and thorough design and construction documents. During the construction phase, Robert is the primary liaison to the contractors, and advocates on behalf of the client to ensure accurate translation of design intent into constructed buildings. His design experience and knowledge of construction technology and sustainable practice have been integral to the successful realization of many projects during his tenure at SKOLNICK.  He holds a B. Arch from Columbia University and an M. Arch from Harvard Graduate School of Design.

   

• Joern Truemper, AIA, LEED AP

  Associate

  Joern Truemper, AIA, LEED AP

  Associate

  Joern Truemper has provided design and management services at all phases of architectural and exhibit design projects since joining SKOLNICK in 1996. As one of the senior architectural designers in the firm, Joern works on all aspects of conceptualization, planning, design and implementation of projects. He received a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University and a Master’s Degree from Technische Universitaet Braunschweig, Germany.

• David Vimont, AIA

  Associate

  David Vimont, AIA

  Associate

  David Vimont brings over 14 years of experience as an architect to the SKOLNICK team. As Associate, he works closely with client teams and consultants to coordinate design workflows and oversee project deliverables. He is an experienced team leader in diverse international project environments, a strategist for sustainable local development, and an energetic and creative participant in building rewarding project relationships. David earned his Masters in Architecture from UCLA School of the Arts & Architecture in Los Angeles, California.

• Indira C. Sekar

  Controller, Financial Manager

  Indira C. Sekar

  Controller, Financial Manager

  As SKOLNICK’s controller, Indira C. Sekar is responsible for the management of the firm’s finances and expenditures. Since joining in 1996, Indira has implemented a comprehensive computer technology infrastructure, project management structure, and integrated project management and accounting systems. Her successful management of these endeavors has played a key role in SKOLNICK’s growth to its present size. Indira received a Bachelor of Engineering from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, India and a MS in Management from the Howe School of Technology Management, Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.

   

Staff